Feeding Goats Corn

[jodief100]

When I spoke with Dr. Pinkerton (The Goat Man) several years ago, he recommended feeding does 1 lb of corn per day in the last month of gestation to prevent Pregnancy Toxemia. So I fed my goats corn in addition to the pelleted grain for years.

Then I joined here and most everyone has said that their experience is that corn is BAD for goats and not to feed it to goats.

Now in this months edition of Goat Rancher there is an article by Dr. Dave Sparks reiterating that you should feed 1 lb of corn to does per day in the last month of gestation and that it almost completely prevents pregnancy toxemia.

So I am considering going back to feeding corn, at least to my pregnant does.

I understand the argument against feeding to buck because of UC. What could the downside be to feeding pregnant does? I lost one my first year to pregnancy toxemia.

 

[helmstead]

Corn will cause acidosis in does.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Instead of feeding straight corn I prefer to feed a balanced ration, usually right around a lb per head per day.

But I'm not exactly sure why people are afraid of corn either, unless they're just afraid of the misuse of corn and overfeeding.

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

The biggest reason why I avoid corn is because of GMO's and pesticides. Which I try not to feed my goats something I wouldn't eat. I avoid GMO's as much as possible, and Organic corn is too expensive to feed my goats. I can get local barley and oats for very cheap and they have not been sprayed or genetically modified.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

I agree with Kate. Its really has no nutritional value. Its a cheap filler and its like candy for them...its not really good for them. Some say its ok..and some say it is'ant. I dont give mine corn at all.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

thanks for bringing this up, Jodie.

a pound seems like a lot. i give a little corn - maybe a handful a day..... but only because we are in the thick of winter here and not to avoid toxemia.

did either of the articles say WHY it prevents it?

 

[helmstead]

Corn is an inappropriate feed for goats. The Ca/Ph ratio is WAY off, and it causes acidosis. All other arguments aside, that should be enough.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i guess, helmstead, i would be interested in hearing what she has to share from the articles.

 

[helmstead]

Having not had, in all these years, the first case of toxemia...I don't see the possible benefit. A well conditioned (but not overconditioned) goat eating an adequate diet in late gestation generally won't have toxemia. You have to increase feed intake in late gestation - ie add calories - to avoid toxemia. THEN you have to increase feed during lactation post partem to avoid ketosis.

Clearly the reason corn is being touted is that it does the 'trick' by increasing caloric intake. However, corn is BAD FOR GOATS...so why not use a quality alfalfa, a touch of Calf Manna...even just an increase in regular feed?

 

[jodief100]

If I remember correctly, Dr. Pinkerton explained it that corn is highly dense energy. It gives a way to easily boost energy in a pregnant doe.

The article by Dr. Sparks states that Toxemia is caused by the pregnant doe's rumen being compressed and therefor unable to process enough nutrition to support both the doe and her growing fetuses. The doe's body then metabolizes fat and toxic ketones are produced as a result. Corn is a high energy food that can boost the caloric intake enough to compensate.

I understand the Ca/Ph ratio is way off, thus increasing the risk of UC. I just think that it might be worth taking that risk to prevent the more likely scenario of pregnancy toxemia.

I am still debating which is why I opened the question. Does anyone know what the real risk of UC in does is? My understanding is it is much rarer than in bucks due to the shorter urethra.

I highly respect both Dr. Pinkerton and Dr Spark's opinions. They both have done considerable research in goats. I just really want to hear real facts on both sides.

I am not concerned about GMO or organic, I just want what is best for my goats. I am certain that GMO or non organic feed won't kill them, but toxemia will.